Project to Restore Crisfield Cemetery, Dating Back to Civil War Era

CRISFIELD, Md.- Through the mud, the marsh, and the over grown trees rest the bodies of 500 souls. The Union Asbury Cemetery dates back to the 1800s, but most of the graves are covered.

Back in the woods, only 50 graves are visible of the hundreds that are on the property. And in order to fix up the area to make it a place for individuals to pay their respects, a restoration project is needed.

That's where Joe Paden comes in. With over a decade's worth of experience restoring cemeteries, Paden is now taking on the project deep in the heart of Crisfield.

"What we're fighting against is father time, we're fighting against drainage, we're fighting against the standing water," Paden explained.

Paden's enthusiasm and passion for this place comes out as he walks through the site. He emphasizes the importance of the project in order to remember the lives that rest here.

Doctors, Civil War veterans, and even waterman all lie in Union Asbury Cemetery. The stones date back as far to the Civil War era and as early as 2015.

Paden is organizing a weekend for volunteers to come out and help with the project. He is in need of 150 people who are willing to come out and remove trees and clean up the area.

"We're going to bring in dirt and create drainage systems so that way it drains off," Paden said.

Paden has been coming out for a few months now prepping and mapping out the land. He brings his 12-year-old son, Alex, along with him and says it's a father, son bonding experience unlike any other.

The land is about 500 feet long and 300 feet wide, Paden has broken it up into several phases. The first phase he estimates will cost $10,000.

HARRINGTON, Del. -- The Harrington Police Department is warning people of a possible card skimmer at local businesses after learning of a rise in credit and debit card fraud cases Wednesday. Harrington Police say they believe a card skimmer was placed onMore

HARRINGTON, Del. -- The Harrington Police Department is warning people of a possible card skimmer at local businesses after learning of a rise in credit and debit card fraud cases Wednesday. Harrington Police say they believe a card skimmer was placed on More

Dover Police and Georgetown Police cooperated in a drug investigation that finished with the arrest of 11 people. Police say the bust started with the search of a building at the Dunbarton apartments in Georgetown on January 31.

Dover Police and Georgetown Police cooperated in a drug investigation that finished with the arrest of 11 people. Police say the bust started with the search of a building at the Dunbarton apartments in Georgetown on January 31.

A new DelDOT project aims to address an area that's had over 100 crashes in the past ten years.

According to new design plans, DelDOT wants to realign Old Orchard Road to create a new, four-way intersection at the existing light at Savannah and Wescoats Roads. DelDOT engineer John Caruano says the project would cost $4 million in state funds, but solve multiple issues in the area.

A new DelDOT project aims to address an area that's had over 100 crashes in the past ten years.

According to new design plans, DelDOT wants to realign Old Orchard Road to create a new, four-way intersection at the existing light at Savannah and Wescoats Roads. DelDOT engineer John Caruano says the project would cost $4 million in state funds, but solve multiple issues in the area.